Letters to the Editor

New board has improved Thompson School District's outlook

Do you remember when new school board members were elected because the community was significantly concerned about the lack of achievement and direction in Thompson School District?

Many people tried to disrupt meetings rather than join them and show a desire to make things better. Wild accusations were made of wanting to fire the superintendent, get rid of the union, close schools, or make all schools charter schools. Additionally, they feared political interference, wanted to remove newly elected members and were enraged about retaining an attorney to assist in strengthening board policies.

With new board members in place for not quite five months, I want to reveal the "secret" by showing what has been accomplished, despite the ugliness.

They include:

• Approving salary increases for all employees to make Thompson a little more competitive when employing and retaining great staff.

• Moving away from block schedules, which is extremely important for those on the ADHD spectrum, making things much easier for those students and their teachers; and providing more-frequent student/teacher contact and follow-up.

• Eliminating early release Wednesdays to provide more contact time, while retaining professional development.

• Improving policies through the expertise of the board attorney.

• Moving forward on High Plains school.

• Enacting a new literacy program.

• Testing a new K-5 math program.

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• Increasing security through a new marshal program.

• Improving graduation rates through a new mentor program.

• Creating a new entrepreneurship program, with great community involvement.

• Bringing back vocational programs that had been removed. A new agricultural program will provide a very wide range opportunities. The Future Farmers of America youth leadership program will also be available.

Past boards could have, would have and should have, but didn't.

I thank the community for recognizing the importance of our school district, and thank the "reform" board members for remaining strong in the direction for our children's education.

We need to thank the board, superintendent, staff and others involved in opening these new opportunities. Just think what we can do in another year if we work together. We know we can, and we must invest our time, talent and treasure to continue this progress.